It’s A Sin Cast & Character Guide

The acclaimed British drama It’s A Sin is coming to HBO Max, and its memorable cast of characters are played by a mix of new and recognizable faces. The drama was created and written by Russell T. Davies, known for Queer As Folk and the Doctor Who revival. After originally premiering in Great Britain on January 22, 2021 to rave reviews, the limited series will land in the United States on February 18th.

It’s A Sin tells the story of three 18-year-olds who move to London in 1981, and follows them through the subsequent decade. The series explores the AIDS epidemic in the United Kingdom, as it evolves from a whispered rumor to a public health crisis the characters must grapple with.

With many LGBT actors in its cast, the show allows queer people to tell their own history. It’s A Sin brings fresh faces to the world of television in its main cast, with more familiar actors, including a beloved awards show host, taking supporting roles.

Olly Alexander as Ritchie Tozer

Not to be confused with the It character with a similar name, Ritchie Tozer is a young man who leaves his stereotypical middle-class family to become an actor and singer in London. He is played by Olly Alexander, known for his work as the lead singer of the synthpop band Years and Years. The trio recorded a cover of “It’s A Sin” by the Pet Shop Boys, the song from which the show gets its name, to coincide with the series’ release. Proceeds from sales of the single will be donated to the George House Trust, an organization dedicated to supporting those affected by HIV.

Omari Douglas as Roscoe Babatunde

Despite coming from a conservative Nigerian family, Omari Douglas’ Roscoe Babatunde is unapologetically queer, providing a foil for the series’ closeted characters. After being disowned by his family for his sexuality, Roscoe found community within London’s gay scene as a bar worker. It’s A Sin is Douglas’ television debut, but he has been featured on stage in Emma Rice’s Wise Children and other plays.

Callum Scott Howells as Colin “Gladys” Morris-Jones

Callum Scott Howells plays Colin Morris-Jones, the most reserved member of the core trio who works as a tailor’s apprentice. The character was inspired by creator Russell T. Davies’ ex-boyfriend. It’s A Sin is Callum Scott Howells’ first television role, as he landed the part of Colin as a student studying theater.

Lydia West as Jill Baxter

Lydia West is Jill Baxter, Ritchie’s close friend who inspires him to pursue the arts, as she also wants to be an actress. She is the group’s matriarch and was based on one of Russell T. Davies’ friends. She previously appeared on the BBC series Years and Years, also created by Davies.

Nathaniel Curtis as Ash Mukherjee

Nathaniel Curtis plays Ash Mukherjee, a drama student of Indian descent. Ritchie is instantly smitten with him after their first meeting. Like several of his co-stars, Curtis is new to television, and has primarily worked on the stage in the past. He played Romeo in Shakespeare in the Garden’s production of Romeo and Juliet.

It’s A Sin Supporting Cast

Neil Patrick Harris as Henry Coltrane: Colin’s co-worker who takes him under his wing. Harris is known for playing Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother and hosting award shows from the Tonys to the Academy Awards.

Keeley Hawes as Valerie Tozer: Ritchie’s mother. She is known for playing Zoe Reynolds in the BBC series Spooks, as well as lending her voice to Lara Croft of the Tomb Raider games.

Shaun Dooley as Clive Tozer: Ritchie’s disapproving father. He played Peter Harper in the BBC drama The Street.

Stephen Fry as Arthur Garrison: A Conservative Member of Parliament. The comedian is known for his acting in movies like Wilde, as his many appearances as himself on British television.

Tracy Ann Oberman as Millie: Roscoe’s employer at the bar. Obermann is known for playing Chrissie Watts on the soap opera EastEnders.

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